He snorted. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”
“Would you prefer ‘therapeutic dick appointments’ instead?” I grinned as Duke’s shoulders shook with suppressed laughter.
I poked him. “When he arrives in town for filming, you’ll see what I mean.”
Duke groaned. “You need to stop.”
I kept going. “Wait until you meet him in person. He’ll probably walk in, looking all soft and vulnerable, and your protective instincts will go crazy.”
“You’ve thought about this way too much.”
“I think about lots of things.” I ran my fingers up his chest. “Like how pretty he’d look between us or him calling out to you.”
Duke’s breath hitched. “Stop it.”
“What? I’m merely saying his vocal control is impressive. Imagine what other magic his throat can do for you.”
Duke went quiet beside me, tension radiating from his body in waves.
I traced the line of his collarbone, appreciating the tanned skin and sculpted muscles I had worshiped countless times over the years. “What are you thinking?”
“The others we’ve been with…” Duke paused, his words hanging in the air while I continued mapping the familiar terrain of his pecs with my fingertips. “They were only physical attractions. Nothing deeper.”
My laugh came out dry. “Right. Because youtotallydidn’t care about Bolton at all.” The sarcasm dripped from my words like honey.
Duke’s continued silence spoke volumes. I knewmy husband better than anyone, and he had cared about Bolton, especially since he was a musician. Those late nights at Hurly-burly when Bolton would play, Duke’s eyes had never left the stage. He’d light up discussing music with him, sharing recommendations, and debating techniques. It had been beautiful to witness as one of the few things I had never connected with Duke on, which was unfortunate when music moved his soul.
Understanding clicked into place as I studied my husband’s face. The vulnerability I saw there made my heart squeeze with tender affection.
“Are you afraid you’ll fall for Chance?” I kept my tone gentle but interested, as if I was coaxing a spooked animal. Duke might look like an intimidating bouncer, but I knew the teddy bear hiding under that gruff exterior. “Talk to me, hon. What’s happening in that head of yours?”
“His voice…” Duke exhaled with frustration. “It does something to me I can’t explain. Something that affects me like nothing else despite his young age. And that’s only in recordings.”
I stayed quiet, giving him space to continue. Sometimes Duke needed silence to find his words. After so many years together, I knew when to push and when to wait him out.
“The thought of him having that power over me in person?” Duke’s voice roughened, revealing the depth of his concern. “It feels dangerous. Risky.”
“Because it’s not just physical?” I already knew the answer, but Duke needed to work through this himself.
He nodded, the simple gesture carrying the weight of his confession. My poor husband was wrestling with his emotions, and I wanted nothing more than to help him through this crisis of conscience.
“You know you’re allowed to have feelings for him, right? I won’t be jealous or feel threatened if you connect with him on that level. Hell, I’ll be thrilled if you do. That’s the whole point of polyamory. It lets our hearts expand to welcome new love into our lives.”
Duke’s arm tightened around my waist. “But what if?—”
“No what-ifs.” I pressed my finger to his lips. “Bolton only left because he got that incredible job opportunity in Wintervale. Nothing went wrong with our relationship with him. In fact, I’d say it was perfect until then.”
“Yeah, but?—”
“I swear to god, if you try to what-if yourself out of being with Chance, I will withhold blowjobs for a month.” The threat earned me an outraged noise that made me grin. “I mean it. Stop letting your protective instincts cockblock you from potentially amazing sex and a meaningful connection.”
“But what about you?” His palm curved aroundmy hip possessively. “I don’t want you to feel left out if Chance and I bond over music.”
I melted at his sweet concern. “Honey, I’ve never been jealous that you and Bolton vibed over music. Remember how much I loved watching you two geek out together? It was adorable.” I wiggled closer, pressing my growing arousal against his thigh. “Besides, picture how hot it would be watching Chance perform a private concert for you. Getting to see his voice affect you in person would be incredibly sexy.”
Duke’s breathing quickened, but he remained silent.
“You really don’t want to hear what other sounds his talented throat can make?” I gave him my most innocent look. “Because I bet he’d sound amazing moaning your name while you’re buried balls-deep inside him.”
